Marcelo in the Real World Theme of Justice and Judgment

That Marcelo in the Real World is about justice and judgment is a no-brainer: after all, it's set in a law firm. But where we really see this theme is in Marcelo's actions toward Ixtel. He judges Arturo's actions as wrong, and he attempts to get justice for the person Arturo hurt. We also see it in Wendell's judgment of Jasmine, when he tells Marcelo that no matter how much he might want her, he could never love or marry her because she barely finished high school and she's, well, experienced. The judgments that hurt people most are usually the kind that happen outside the courtroom.

Questions About Justice and Judgment

Is Marcelo's finding justice for Ixtel an injustice to his mother and sister? Why or why not?

Why is Arturo more committed to injustice than justice, even though he's an attorney?

What does Marcelo learn about the theme of justice and judgment from Rabbi Heschel?

Chew on This

Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.

The more expensive the law school you attend, the more likely you are to be unjust to others in a desire to maintain privilege and prestige.

Marcelo is willing to accept justice for defying Arturo by agreeing to go to Oak Ridge instead of arguing his right to return to Paterson.